Argonne at 50

Science students hone their skills in Argonne's solar car competition

ARGONNE, Ill. (April 27, 1996) —"Silver Streak" sailed past its 17 competitors to win the first-ever Junior Solar Sprint on a sunny Saturday six years ago. On April 27, 1990, Argonne National Laboratory held its inaugural solar-powered model car competition for teams from Chicago-area seventh and eighth grade science classes.

Since then the competition has gone national: In 1995, 25,000 Junior Solar Sprint kits were distributed, and 53 regional competitions were held in 36 states.

"We wanted to share the excitement we witnessed in the college students as they participated in the `GM Sunrayce U.S.A,' which Argonne helped organize," explained Bob Larsen, the engineer who heads Argonne's alternative fuels and engine research. Sunrayce is a college-level competition for full-size solar-powered cars. "We decided that a solar-powered car project could work as a way to teach science and engineering fundamentals to younger students," Larsen said.

"Working with the National Science Teachers Association, Argonne developed the Junior Solar Sprint program to expose kids to what scientists and engineers do, while incorporating team-building and personal-skill development," Larsen said.

Each Junior Solar Sprint team designs and builds a working, solar-powered model car using identical electrical motors and solar cells. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity to drive the motor.

The cars measure no more than 12 by 24 inches (30 cm by 60 cm). They compete in a double elimination race on a straight, asphalt track about 65 feet (20 meters) long. Prizes are awarded to top performance cars. In addition, design awards are presented based on technology, craftsmanship, appearance of the car, and a working knowledge of the car's design.

The Junior Solar Sprint integrates different forms of learning to excite and motivate students, Larsen said. Students apply classroom knowledge to a hands-on project. They use aerodynamics, applied science and engineering skills to meet technical challenges comparable to those scientists and engineers face: how to build a lightweight functional vehicle with an efficient power train, low drag aerodynamics, minimal friction and excellent performance. Developing a successful design requires experimentation, teamwork and organization.

The U.S. Department of Energy funded the competition as part of its commitment to educate young people about renewable energy and the environment and to encourage science and engineering careers. Public and private-sector sponsors have formed a partnership to support the Sprint.

In 1993 Argonne turned the Junior Solar Sprint over to another U.S. DOE lab -- the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo. -- to handle. Argonne continues its involvement by coordinating the Chicago-area competition with Case Corp. and the Chicago section of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Twenty-one schools will compete in the sixth annual Chicago Junior Solar Sprint on May 11, 1996, at CASE Corp. in Hinsdale, Ill.

The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory conducts basic and applied scientific research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, ranging from high-energy physics to climatology and biotechnology. Since 1990, Argonne has worked with more than 600 companies and numerous federal agencies and other organizations to help advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for the future. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

For more information, please contact Catherine Foster (630/252-5580 or cfoster@anl.gov) at Argonne.